The Founders Conference 2026.
Zambia's premier student and youth entrepreneurship conference — designed to inspire, connect and equip the next generation of founders, innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Two days. One national gathering. The Founders Pitch Challenge, the main conference and the official Awards Ceremony — hosted at Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
National participation. Zambia's future founders under one roof.
A national platform for the next generation of builders.
Vision
To convene Zambia's most ambitious students, young founders and leaders in conversations that shape the country's — and Africa's — future.
Mission
Inspire the next generation of African leaders, connect students with accomplished professionals, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Objectives
- Inspire the next generation of African leaders
- Identify and elevate promising founders and student-led ventures
- Connect students with accomplished professionals
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
- Facilitate strategic partnerships
- Bridge the gap between academia and industry
- Create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration
Two days. One national stage.
Founders Pitch Challenge
A full day dedicated to identifying and elevating Zambia's most promising founders and student-led ventures.
- → Startup Pitch Competitions
- → Business Idea Presentations
- → Innovation Showcases
- → Student Founder Pitches
- → Entrepreneurial Solution Demonstrations
- → Investor and Judge Interactions
- → Venture Feedback Sessions
Participants will compete for recognition, awards, exposure, mentorship opportunities and ecosystem support.
The Founders Conference 2026
The main conference day — a national convening of students, founders, professionals and industry leaders.
- → Keynote Addresses
- → Founder Stories
- → Entrepreneurship Sessions
- → Leadership Talks
- → Innovation Conversations
- → Career Development Discussions
- → Student Empowerment Sessions
- → Networking Opportunities
- → Panel Discussions
- → Strategic Conversations on the Future of Africa
The official Awards Ceremony will take place during the main conference on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Walk in with potential. Walk out with purpose.
Meet founders, students and leaders from across Zambia under one roof.
Learn from established entrepreneurs building real ventures on the continent.
Be moved by stories of grit, vision and impact from Africa's boldest builders.
Direct exposure to industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners.
Encounter ideas, products and ventures shaping the next decade.
Spark collaborations across institutions, organisations and sectors.
The voices on stage.
A curated lineup of founders, executives and changemakers shaping Africa's future. More speakers to be announced.
Dr. Rozious Siatwambo
Remmy Kangwa
Dr. Daniel Ngombo Kabani
Dumisani Lingamangali Ncube
Mizinga Melu
Melody Chisanga
Edwin Mek Kapesa
Nchimunya Munyama
Fridah Mwenge
Alinase Nyirenda
Official Agenda Coming Soon.
The full conference agenda is currently being finalised. Detailed schedules for keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, founder talks, networking sessions, the Founders Pitch Challenge and the Awards Ceremony will be released soon.
Check back regularly for updates, or join the waitlist to be notified the moment the official agenda is published.
Get Event UpdatesRecognising Zambia's boldest builders.
The official Awards Ceremony will take place during The Founders Conference on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Awards will celebrate outstanding founders, innovators and student-led ventures across multiple categories.
Additional award categories may be announced later.
- ★ Founders Pitch Challenge
- ★ Innovation Categories
- ★ Entrepreneurship Categories
- ★ Outstanding Student Founder Categories
- ★ Special Recognition Categories
Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
The Founders Conference 2026 will be hosted at Mulungushi University in Kabwe, Central Province — a fitting setting for a national gathering of students, founders and leaders shaping Zambia's future.
Registration Opening Soon.
The Founders Conference 2026 registration portal will open soon. Students, entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, institutions and delegates from across Zambia will be able to secure their participation once registration officially opens.
Stay connected for announcements regarding registration dates, participation categories and ticket releases.
Tickets will soon be available.
The conference is designed as a national platform bringing together ambitious young leaders and future founders from across Zambia. Attendance will be open to:
- ● University Students
- ● College Students
- ● Secondary School Students
- ● Entrepreneurs
- ● Professionals
- ● Startups
- ● Organizations
- ● Institutions
- ● General Delegates
Official ticket categories, pricing and registration procedures will be announced soon.
Things to know.
When and where is the conference?+
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, at Mulungushi University, Kabwe — Central Province, Zambia.
Who can attend?+
University, college and senior secondary students, entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, organisations, institutions and general delegates from across Zambia.
How do I register?+
Registration is opening soon. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the portal goes live.
Are tickets available now?+
Not yet. Official ticket categories, pricing and registration procedures will be announced soon.
When will the full agenda be released?+
The official agenda is currently being finalised and will be released ahead of the event. Check back regularly for updates.